Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income/(Loss) - USD ($) $ in Millions		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Statement Of Income And Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income/(loss)		$ (403)	$ (700)	$ 440
Other comprehensive income/(loss), net of tax
Foreign currency translation adjustments	[1]	5	(170)	248
Changes in the fair value of cash flow hedges	[2]	(30)	1	11
Defined benefit pension plan adjustments	[3]	132	(2)	14
Total other comprehensive income/(loss)		107	(171)	273
Total comprehensive income/(loss)		(296)	(871)	713
Less: comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests		14	11	13
Total comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to Nielsen shareholders		$ (310)	$ (882)	$ 700

[1] Net of tax of $(4) million, $(6) million and $23 million for the year ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017 respectively.

[2] Net of tax of $11 million, $(1) million and $(7) million for the year ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017 respectively.

[3] Net of tax of $(8), zero and $(2) million for the year ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017 respectively.